Badgers add Manchester to 2026-27 class
April 22, 2026 | Men's Basketball
Mount Horeb native scored 2,534 points in high school
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's basketball team announced that Josh Manchester will join the program as a freshman for the 2026-27 campaign.
A native of Mount Horeb, Manchester capped off his terrific prep career with 2,534 points, the 10th-most in Wisconsin state history.
"We're excited to have Josh join our program," UW head coach Greg Gard said. "As we continue to intentionally build out our roster, it's vital to have players in a variety of roles. Josh appreciates and understands the work and development that his role will require. He's got a competitor's mindset paired with a knack for scoring as witnessed by him being amongst the top 10 scorers in Wisconsin high school history."
The 6-3 guard enjoyed a stellar senior campaign, averaging 30.1 points per game while leading Mount Horeb to a conference crown. A finalist for the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association's Mr. Basketball award, Manchester was named the Wisconsin State Journal Player of the Year and earned WBCA All-State Honors.
As a junior, Manchester ranked seventh in the state, averaging 31.1 points per contest while also leading Mount Horeb to another conference title.
"He comes from an excellently coached high school program and a basketball family.I recruited Josh's dad, Paul, to UW-Platteville from La Crosse Logan High School where Paul played for his father, Tom, in 1995. It's truly amazing how this profession and game can bring people full circle more than 30 years later!
"Josh is really fired up to be a Badger. We can't wait for him to arrive on campus this summer and get to work preparing for the coming season. We're looking forward to helping Josh launch his college career!"
Manchester joins a group of seven newcomers to the Badger roster, including Trey Autry, Jackson Ball, Eian Elmer, Owen Foxwell, LaTrevion Fenderson and Victory Onuetu.
